Oak Beam Restoration

[mattyherts]

Hi,

I have an old Oak Beam that has been sitting outside for quite some time.

It really needs a bit of a clean up to remove s small amount of old red paint that is on one side in a small amount as well as trying to remove some of the weathered effects such as dirt etc.

It will be used as a mantle over one of the fire places so any fixing instructions that can be given or suggested would be greatly recieved ideally i would not like any brackets etc on show.

Many Thanks
Matt

 

[Carol]

I used a proprietary 'Soapy Wood Cleaner' on our 'in situ' beams before brass brushing the dusty residue and dirt. Have also used paint stripper in small quantities to remove paint. The brass brushing was very hard work, but brought up a lovely patina. I was told never to use steel wool (after I had been caught by our carpenter!) as it left marks on oak. It also makes for very painful splinters. Mind you, a two mm. piece of oak in my thumb was awful too! Can't help much with fixings, but someone will I'm sure!

 

[mattyherts]

Thanks for the advice.

It is currently sitting in my shed so will get the soapy Wood Cleaner and use this as the weekend.

As for the ground in paint (as most of it is flakey) is there a recommended brand of Paint Remover?

Also fixing advice would be greatly recieved.

Thanks
Matt

 

[skier-hughes]

http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/about.htm

Tells you all you need to know.

 

[nick farnes]

cut off old, dead, rotten wood with draw knife working with grain. angle grinder, stone blade, to pull back surface, smooth out burrs, cracks, splits, get rid of paint etc, again with grain, light touch, stroke, caress it. Either an electric file or orbital sander to remove the slight, you have been gentle, circular scratchings from grinder. Now you should have a surface. As well to use cuprinol kill everything preservative, particulary on hidden faces. To fix cut into fireplace so bessemer sits on brick. Once gravity has got the weight and position is agreed, they will all have a view, take it out and bed into plaster, carlite bonding will do it and give a softer, deeper finish or secure with right angle brackets into reverse of fireplace wall and infill front face to match whatever is there.

 

[jacky]

just done my pine beams in situe(same difference surely)carefully does it with caustic soda you wont have any brushes left though!sorry no fixing tips good luck..... :lol: